Monza's Parabolica gravel trap replaced with tarmac

Monza's iconic Parabolica has lost its gravel trap in favour of a tarmac run-off area which is being installed ahead of the 2014 Italian Grand Prix.

Parabolica, the final turn at the Monza circuit, has traditionally had a gravel trap after a section of grass to penalise drivers for running wide on one of F1's most challenging corners. But it appears the corner has been altered ahead of this year's race, with pictures emerging on Thursday of gravel being put down at Parabolica.

The change may be in anticipation of the possible return of World Superbikes to Monza in 2015, with safety officers from the series recently meeting track officials and raising concerns about the lack of run-off areas. The Italian Grand Prix takes place on September 7, with doubts still surrounding F1's future at Monza following Bernie Ecclestone's threats to drop the venue from the calendar after 2016.

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